Maruti WagonR sells DOUBLE of the Hyundai Santro!

The new Maruti WagonR clocked sales of 16,152 units in March 2019, or almost double that of the Hyundai Santro  hatchback, which managed only 8,280 units. While sales of the Santro are pretty strong when looked at individually,  the numbers fade in comparison to those managed by the Maruti WagonR. The new version of the WagonR seems to be very popular with buyers, and the sales numbers indicate just that. The all-new WagonR is a much larger car than its previous iteration, and is also more powerful. While the Hyundai Santro made its comeback into India last year – after nearly half a decade – the WagonR got a full model change earlier this year.

In fact, the Maruti WagonR is easily the biggest launch for Maruti in 2019. The car continues to feature a tall-boy  form factor, and is now based on the HEARTECT platform. The HEARTECT platform uses high tensile steel extensively,  lightening the car and offering better stiffness. Most new Maruti cars are now based on the HEARTECT platform, and this includes the likes of the Swift, Ignis, Dzire and Baleno. With the WagonR joining this list, Maruti’s part sharing strategy through the HEARTECT platform has expanded significantly. In fact, the new WagonR shares its 1.2 liter K-Series petrol engine with the Swift.

The 1.2 liter petrol engine on the WagonR makes 82 Bhp-113 Nm, and is offered with two gearbox options – a 5 speed manual and a 5 speed AMT. The other engine on offer is the 1 liter-3 cylinder, K-Series petrol, which has been
carried over from the previous generation car. The 1 liter petrol gets a five speed manual gearbox as standard. Maruti also offers a CNG-Petrol option with this engine, as a dealer-level fitment. The WagonR is aimed at both  private car buyers and cab operators. This is a big reason why the sales of the new WagonR are so high when compared to the Hyundai Santro, which is aimed mainly at private car buyers.

The new WagonR has increased in size, and this has also boosted space on the insides of the car. Apart from  additional space for the passengers, the 5 seat hatchback now offers standard safety features such as a airbag, ABS,  reverse parking sensors, seat belt reminder for the driver and front passenger, and speed alerts. The car’s higher  variants add a passenger airbag to the equation. The new WagonR has also gotten slightly pricier than the older  version, with its prices now starting from Rs. 4.29 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi. The higher prices don’t seem to be  bothering buyers though, and this is evident from sales numbers. Notably, the WagonR will get an all-electric variant  early next year. The WagonR Electric is expected to carry a sub-Rs. 10 lakh price tag, and will be Maruti’s first electric car for the Indian market. It’ll be showcased at the 2020 Auto Expo, followed by a launch later in the year.